How many yoga asana postures are beneficial for a class?

In theme with previous blogs that I’ve written about sequencing a class, I thought I would take some time to explore how many yoga asana postures a beneficial for a class. There are many different styles of physical yoga, so this question had many answers. 
Some styles of yoga are on the minimal end of how many postures they include in a class, such as a restorative or yin class. Also included would be the Bikram method of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, mostly being done twice each. 

Other classes have a large array of postures, such as vinyasa classes, and the Bikram advanced series. It can also really depend on the length of time available to an instructor for them to sequence a class. But how many postures are beneficial?  Surely a posture should be held for some length of time to receive benefit. Or be repeated several times to develop muscle memory. In some instances, a repetitive hold of a posture for longer and longer periods is recommended, or a continuous long hold (slightly different than the concept of yin, which is long holds, however, with a specific intent). 

Current class lengths normally last about an hour. My preference is to teach an hour  of active postures plus a 15 minute Savasana at the end. The hour allows me to fit in a 10 minute warm up, a partial sun salutation an and b, some standing postures, and then floor postures, with a cool down. Breathing exercises to begin and end the active session. Taking into account all of these postures, including breath work and Savasana, I would say there is about 60 postures, some held longer than others. Some only for a breath, such as in the sun salutation, or held for an extended, such at warrior 2. 

But I return to my earlier question, is this beneficial? Or should the number of postures be reduced? Perhaps the number only depends on, or is useful is thinking about, the type of class being taught. I enjoy teaching full rounded classes, holistic style. However, I also enjoy teaching targeted classes, for example, handstands. In my own personal practice, I attempt an hour and a half class, with the posture count being around 90. 

So, how many postures are beneficial? It depends on the style, the length of the class and the level of the student, I surmise. 

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